fault line

American  

noun

Geology.

1. the intersection of a fault with the surface of the earth or other plane of reference.

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fault line British  

noun

1. Also called: fault plane.  geology the surface of a fault fracture along which the rocks have been displaced

2. a potentially disruptive division or area of contention

   Europe remains the main fault line in the Tory Party

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Etymology

Origin of fault line

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

"We are against all scenarios that aim to instigate a civil war in Iran, that target ethnic or religious fault lines," Fidan told journalists in Istanbul.

From Barron's

But Wales's decision to include glass has become a major fault line with industry representatives.

From BBC

The fault line exposed now is that private credit is being offered to retail investors and wealthy individuals whose liquidity preferences are different from sophisticated, more patient institutional investors.

From MarketWatch

The broader region is crisscrossed by active fault lines created as the African Plate presses northeastward against the Hellenic Plate.

From Science Daily

She did not feel it at the time, but she was living on the fault lines of an ugly custody battle between her parents, who both went on to remarry.

From BBC

Related Words

• rift